Beginning January 1, 2015, the Turkish Ministry of Labor will begin executing provisions from The Law on Foreigners and International Protection, Law No. 6458, which sets additional restrictions on in-country visa applications by foreign nationals. One aspect of particular concerns for foreign nationals residing in the country pursuant to a visa or residence permit is the provision that now requires all visas and residence permits to expire sixty (60) days before the expiration of the individual’s passport.

In the past, the Ministry traditionally issued visas and residence cards valid up to the expiration date of an applicant’s passport. Accordingly, foreign nationals residing in Turkey should monitor the validity dates of their passports to ensure that their passport expiration date is more than sixty (60) days from the expiration of their visa or residence card. If their passport is not valid for the required sixty (60) days past the expiration of their immigration status document, then they may be required to obtain a new or extended passport before being allowed to depart the country.

As always, Foster will continue to monitor changes to visa requirements and procedures at foreign consular posts in the U.S., and around the world, and will provide future updates via our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.